KOTA KINABALU – Malaysia Day is once again being celebrated in the new norm and in strict compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) as the country remains vigilant in its battle against the Covid-19 pandemic.
The official celebration, themed “Malaysia Prihatin”, will be held at the Sabah International Convention Centre’s (SICC) Sipadan Hall, and will be attended by Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and his wife, Toh Puan Norlidah R.M. Jasni.
The event, scheduled to begin at 8.35pm, will also be attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor, Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and his wife, Datuk Dayang Morliah Awang Daud.
Joining them are Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa and Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who are joint chairmen of the Malaysia Day 2021 organising committee.
The celebration, which will be attended by 339 guests, including media representatives, will kick-start with a rendition of the national and state anthems – Negarahu and Sabah Tanah Airku – the Sabah Maju Jaya song and a welcoming performance, followed by a speech by the joint chairmen of the organising committee.
Hajiji is also expected to make a speech followed by an address by Ismail Sabri, which will then be followed by a special Malaysia Day celebration book-signing ceremony.
According to the celebration’s programme, there will also be a Malaysia Prihatin montage display, as well as a special performance by artists from the state cultural board.
This year’s Malaysia Day celebration is the first under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah government led by Hajiji, who was appointed the 16th Sabah chief minister on September 29 last year.
Meanwhile, state secretary Datuk Safar Untong said rehearsals have been held since Monday to ensure the programme runs smoothly.
Malaysia Day is celebrated to commemorate the establishment of the Federation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963. – Bernama, September 15, 2021
